All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio) - Windows Weekly 919: The Supermodel of Apps

Release Date: February 12, 2025

Hosts:

• Micah Sargent (subbing for Leo Laporte)
• Paul Thurot
• Richard Campbell

I. Introduction

In episode 919 of Windows Weekly, Micah Sargent steps in for Leo Laporte to discuss the latest developments in the Windows ecosystem, artificial intelligence (AI), corporate earnings, and more. The episode, titled "The Supermodel of Apps," delves into significant updates from Microsoft, the impact of AI advancements, and insights into various tech companies' financial performances.

II. Patch Tuesday and Windows 11 Updates

Patch Tuesday kicked off the episode with Paul Thurot and Richard Campbell discussing the latest updates rolled out by Microsoft for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 24H2.

Paul highlighted that while Microsoft introduced several updates aimed at enhancing user experience, many of these features are part of a Controlled Feature Release (CFR). This means updates are gradually rolled out, and not all users will see them immediately.

Notable Features Discussed:

• Enhanced Taskbar Previews: Improvements to taskbar hover previews for open applications, though Paul admitted he hasn't personally noticed any changes yet. (04:00)
• Central Control Panel for Camera Effects: For AI or Copilot Plus PCs using Windows Studio effects, a new centralized control panel is accessible directly from the taskbar. (05:00)
• File Explorer Enhancements: Features like creating new folders via the right-click context menu have been improved. (06:00)

Despite these enhancements, Paul expressed skepticism about certain updates, such as the mouse cursor disappearing in Windows 24H2, which led him to utilize PowerToys for a workaround. (06:04)

III. The New Outlook for Windows 10

A significant portion of the discussion centered around Microsoft's decision to replace the traditional Mail, Calendar, and People apps with Outlook on Windows 10.

Paul Thurot voiced strong criticism:

"It's overdue. I hear there are a lot of complaints. A lot of it has to do with old school guys." (08:00)

Richard Campbell echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the resistance from long-time users accustomed to the older interface:

"It is change. I think it's change, yeah. ... By making the old standby also annoying, it makes you more comfortable to be annoyed by the new one." (08:17)

Despite initial frustration, Richard noted that after migrating to the new Outlook, he became accustomed to it:

"About two weeks later I said, listen, I've stopped noticing that I'm using the new Outlook. I'm just using it." (08:40)

Paul further criticized the backlash from some seasoned professionals who resist adopting new technologies, drawing parallels with resistance to AI advancements.

IV. Active Directory Security Patch

Richard Campbell brought attention to a critical update released in Patch Tuesday, specifically KB5014754, which focuses on strong authentication for certificates in Active Directory. This patch aims to bolster security by enforcing stricter authentication protocols, mitigating risks like lateral movement attacks within networks.

Key Points:

• Deadline: Microsoft set February 11, 2025, for organizations to comply with the new authentication standards.
• Impact: Systems not updated by September will revert to compatibility mode, potentially weakening security.
• Microsoft's Strategy: Encourages transitioning to their Entra platform, though it requires careful planning and infrastructure adjustments.

Paul noted the extensive challenges faced by system administrators in implementing these changes, highlighting the necessity of diligent patch management:

"There's a big row over that. And out of this comes in the fall last year, this guy named Lennart Hero..." (14:19)

V. AI Developments and Features in Windows 11

AI remains a prominent topic, with discussions revolving around Microsoft's integration of AI across its applications and services.

AI Enhancements in Windows 11:

• Windows Copilot: An AI assistant integrated into the OS, offering features like text summarization and code generation within apps like Notepad and Paint.
• Generative AI in Paint and Photos: New tools for image manipulation, including generative fill and erase capabilities.
• GitHub Copilot: Continued advancements in AI-assisted coding, though Paul shared mixed experiences regarding its reliability on complex tasks.

Notable Quotes:

"It's just proof that you can get used to anything." (08:58) – Paul on adapting to the new Outlook.

"AI is just there doesn't get in your way, it doesn't bother you. If you need it, there it is." (31:22) – Paul's perspective on AI integration.

The hosts also touched upon Microsoft Fabric, an AI-focused project announced at Microsoft's Build conference, aiming to bridge on-device and cloud-based AI functionalities.

VI. Earnings Updates: Qualcomm, Amazon, Sonos

The episode transitioned to corporate earnings, spotlighting performances from Qualcomm, Amazon, and Sonos.

• Qualcomm:

  • Reported $11.7 billion in revenue, a 17% increase year-over-year.
  • The company faced legal challenges from ARM Holdings, which withdrew their claims, stabilizing Qualcomm's outlook. (14:16)

• Amazon:

  • Despite substantial revenues, Amazon allocated $28 billion this quarter to AI infrastructure capital expenditures, surpassing Microsoft's investment.
  • Highlighted the intense competition among tech giants to dominate the AI landscape. (74:34)

• Sonos:

  • Continues its downward spiral with negative earnings for the year.
  • Faced operational challenges, including app fiascos and leadership changes, leading to restructuring and layoffs. (79:55)

VII. Xbox Corner: Market Share and Strategy

Xbox Corner delved into the competitive landscape of the gaming console market, comparing Xbox's performance against Sony's PlayStation 5 and Nintendo's Switch.

Key Insights:

• Sales Performance: Although Microsoft refrains from disclosing explicit sales figures, estimations based on reports from companies like Take Two suggest Sony outsells Xbox by approximately 2 to 1.
• Strategic Direction: Xbox is pivoting towards a platform-agnostic approach, emphasizing services like Game Pass rather than solely focusing on hardware sales.
• Market Challenges: Microsoft grapples with softer hardware sales figures and seeks to leverage its vast game publishing portfolio to bolster its position.

Paul expressed concerns over Microsoft's marketing strategies and the indirect understanding of their hardware performance, while Richard highlighted the need for effective branding and game development to compete with Sony and Nintendo.

Notable Quote:

"Sony is currently outselling Xbox by about 2.25 to 1." (86:09)

VIII. Run As Radio: Windows Server 2025

In the Run As Radio segment, the hosts discussed the Windows Server 2025 update, focusing on the advancements and challenges in transitioning to this version.

Discussion Points:

• Active Directory Enhancements: Introduction of SMB over QUIC for secure and efficient file transfers without relying heavily on VPNs.
• Functional Level Upgrades: Organizations need to elevate their Active Directory functional levels to Server 2025, necessitating the removal of outdated AD infrastructure.
• Implementation Challenges: Emphasized the manual efforts required by system administrators to ensure seamless transitions and compliance with new security protocols.

Richard shared insights from discussions with professionals in the field, underscoring the importance of preparation and adaptability in adopting Windows Server 2025.

IX. Brown Liquor Pick: Swedish Whiskey Company McMurra

The highlight of the episode's final segment was a deep dive into the Swedish whiskey company McMurra, exploring its origins, innovations, and recent financial struggles.

Company Overview:

• Founded: 1999 by eight friends passionate about creating a superior Swedish whiskey.
• Innovations: Utilized 30-liter casks to expedite the aging process and incorporated Swedish oak for authentic flavor profiles.
• Expansion: Established the Gravity Distillery in 2011, featuring a 37-meter-tall tower designed to leverage gravity for efficient production.

Challenges:

• The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted McMurra's operations, leading to decreased sales and financial strain.
• Leadership changes, including the departure of master distiller Angela D'Arazillo after the introduction of an AI-driven whiskey variant, Intelligenz.
• In 2023, amidst ongoing financial difficulties, McMurra filed for bankruptcy, primarily due to over-leveraging and unforeseen global events like the pandemic and the Ukraine war.

Recovery Efforts:

• Lennart Hero, a notable Swedish investor, intervened with Number One Capital to refinance and rescue the company from bankruptcy.
• Despite these efforts, the company's future remains uncertain, with ongoing disputes over asset ownership and operational restructuring.

Notable Quote:

"It's becoming an ODBC... it's becoming an ODBC." (67:56) – Discussing AI integration in development tools.

X. Book Recommendations: Bill Gates' Autobiography

The hosts concluded with a discussion on Bill Gates' upcoming autobiographies, praising the insights into the early days of Microsoft and the personal journeys of its founders.

Key Highlights:

• Content: Covers Gates' life up to the formation of Microsoft, including his pioneering work in developing the first version of BASIC for the Altair 8800.
• Insights: Provides an honest and well-written account of Gates' methodologies, challenges, and the foundational steps that led to the creation of the personal computer industry.
• Recommendation: Both hosts endorsed the book for its detailed portrayal of Microsoft's inception and its impact on the tech landscape.

Conclusion

Episode 919 of Windows Weekly provided an in-depth exploration of the latest Windows updates, Microsoft's strategic shifts in AI integration, and the financial trajectories of major tech companies. The discussion on McMurra whiskey added a unique perspective on entrepreneurial challenges within the beverage industry. With insightful commentary and engaging conversations, the episode offered valuable takeaways for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Notable Quote to End:

"It doesn't matter how many people explain it to you. You just don't understand logically." (99:54) – Paul reflecting on personal data management challenges.

For those interested in the detailed discussions and analyses presented in this episode, tuning into Windows Weekly provides a wealth of information and expert insights on the ever-evolving technology landscape.